What does Messiah mean?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Messiah means “anointed one” and comes from the Hebrew word mashiach, referring to someone set apart for a special role like priest, prophet, or king. In the Old Testament, leaders such as Aaron, Elisha, Saul, and David were anointed, but the Jews awaited a greater Deliverer to redeem Israel. The New Testament reveals that Jesus is this Messiah, fulfilling all three roles perfectly through His life, death, and resurrection. Jesus’ resurrection confirms that He is the promised Savior who offers spiritual redemption and reconciliation with God. Jesus also promised to return again, establishing His kingdom and delivering His people fully.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Messiah means "anointed one" or "chosen one," and it comes from the Hebrew word mashiach (Daniel 9:25-26).
• Culturally, during biblical days, anointing someone with oil signified that they were being set apart and consecrated for a particular role. Throughout the Old Testament, people who were about to assume positions of power were anointed. These include the positions of priest, prophet, and king. Aaron was anointed as high priest of Israel (Leviticus 8:12).
• Per God's instruction, the prophet Elijah anointed Elisha to succeed him as the prophet of Israel (1 Kings 19:16).
• Both Saul and David were anointed as kings of Israel by the prophet Samuel (1 Samuel 10:1; 16:13).
• While these men were in "anointed" positions, the Old Testament predicted a Deliverer from God who would redeem the nation of Israel (Isaiah 42:1; 61:1–3). The Jews called this Deliverer the Messiah.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• The word Christos, translated in English as Christ, is its Greek equivalent (John 1:41; Luke 4:18). Therefore, "Jesus the Messiah" and "Jesus Christ" are the same. Jesus was priest, prophet, and king in one person, which serves to showcase Him as the Messiah.
• As a priest, He perfectly mediates between us and God (1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 2:17; 4:14; 7:23–28). He was also the ultimate sacrifice; His death provided full redemption for our sins and reconciliation to God the Father (Hebrews 9:11–14, 23–28; 10:11–14).
• As a prophet, He not only preached but also embodied the Word of God (John 1:1–18; 14:24; Luke 24:19).
• Jesus is King because God gave all authority to Him (John 18:36; Ephesians 1:20–23; Revelation 19:16).
• Throughout Jesus of Nazareth's earthly ministry, it became evident that He was (and still is) the Messiah who was prophesied about in the Old Testament (Luke 4:17–21; John 4:25–26).
• The gospels proclaim that Jesus is the Chosen One, the Messiah (Matthew 16:16; John 20:31).
• Jesus' resurrection from the dead is the primary evidence of Him being the Messiah (1 Corinthians 15:3–8, 14–22). Acts 10:39–43 is an eyewitness account of Jesus' death and resurrection.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

The Jews who were alive during Jesus' ministry anticipated that their Messiah would be a political leader who would redeem them from Roman rule and set up an earthly kingdom (Acts 1:6). After His resurrection, Jesus provided understanding to His disciples of what the Old Testament prophecies and His death and resurrection had really been about—forgiveness of sins (Luke 24:45–48). Jesus, the Messiah, was anointed for the primary purpose of delivering His people spiritually, offering them redemption from their sins (John 3:16; John 8:31–36). He accomplished this salvation through His death and resurrection (Matthew 26:28; John 12:32). Jesus the Messiah promised that He will return to earth again, and when that day comes He will deliver His people from their physical enemies and set up His kingdom on the earth (John 14:3; Matthew 24:42; Isaiah 9:1–7).

UNDERSTAND

• Messiah means “anointed one,” a title for someone set apart by God to serve as priest, prophet, or king.
• Jesus fulfilled all three roles of Messiah perfectly.
• Jesus will return to establish His kingdom and fully deliver His people, completing the Messiah’s mission.

REFLECT

• How does knowing that Jesus lived as a faithful Jew deepen your understanding of His teachings and actions?
• How do you understand the significance of the Jews longing for a Messiah?
• How does knowing that Jesus is the promised Messiah shape the way you live each day?

ENGAGE

• How does Jesus’ Jewish background help us better understand the context of His mission and the fulfillment of prophecy?
• What impact does Jesus’ cultural and religious identity have on how we read and apply the Bible today?
• What does it mean for our faith and daily lives that Jesus is the promised Messiah who fulfills the roles of priest, prophet, and king?